R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004
If you know, you know.
Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.
The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.
The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.
This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed. — 15 days ago
Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia
Alion Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino 2020
It is always great to revisit a classic. This is one of the best representations of Rivera del Duero as a whole, composed of fruit from select parcels and vineyards from the DO; it always exudes opulence, the body is full, the tannins are grippy and the finish lingers. — 18 days ago
Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia
Pintia Toro Tempranillo 2019
Toro: one of the oldest and strongest expressions of Tempranillo is tamed by the House of Vega Sicilia. Pintia preserves the rustic and robust nature of the DO in an elegant way. Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, violets, dark chocolate, coffee and spice. Full bodied, high alcohol and fine grain tannins with a strong finish are sure to entice. — 17 days ago
Ericsson
Ahhh. James. It is a curse as much as it is a blessing. I like it, it aged gracefully well. Cheers. — 7 days ago